Sun Safety Recommendations for BRCA2 Patients

Essential Sun Protection Strategies

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends minimizing exposure to the sun during peak UV radiation hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.), especially during the highest intensity period (11 a.m.–1 p.m.) 1, 2
Seeking shade whenever possible, particularly during midday hours, is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 2
Wearing sun-protective clothing with tightly woven fabrics is advised by the American Academy of Dermatology 2
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests choosing darker colored clothing and natural cotton fabrics which transmit less UV radiation 2
Wearing wide-brimmed hats (>3-inch brim) or Legionnaire-style hats (with ear and neck flaps) for optimal protection of the head, ears, nose, and cheeks is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology 2
Using sunglasses that block 99% of UV-A and UV-B radiation to protect the eyes and surrounding areas is advised by the American Academy of Dermatology 2, 3
Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen (protecting against both UV-A and UV-B) with SPF >15 is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 2
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen in combination with other protective measures, not as the sole method of protection 4, 5

Completely avoiding sunlamps and tanning beds, which have been classified as carcinogenic, is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 2
Artificial UV radiation can cause skin damage comparable to or exceeding that of noontime summer sun, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2

Annual skin cancer screening is recommended for those with increased risk by the American Academy of Dermatology 4, 5
Practicing regular skin self-examination to detect suspicious lesions early is advised by the American Academy of Dermatology 4, 5
Considering involving family members to help examine areas difficult to self-assess (e.g., back) is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology 4

Being especially cautious in high-risk environments that increase UV exposure, such as locations closer to the equator, higher altitudes, areas with reflective surfaces, spring and summer seasons, and even on cloudy days, is advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 6

Dietary supplements such as selenium and β-carotene are not recommended for skin cancer prevention by the American Academy of Dermatology 4, 5
Topical and oral retinoids (tretinoin, retinol, acitretin, isotretinoin) are not recommended for reducing skin cancer risk by the American Academy of Dermatology 4, 5

Relying solely on sunscreen without implementing other protective measures is discouraged by the American Academy of Dermatology and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2, 4
Neglecting sun protection on cloudy days is warned against by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 6
Using sunglasses without adequate UV protection (protection does not correlate with lens darkness) is cautioned against by the American Academy of Dermatology 2
Underestimating the importance of regular skin examinations is warned against by the American Academy of Dermatology 4, 5